Kindle for Android app coming soon

Kindle software for some Android smartphones will soon be available for free, granting access to 500,000 Kindle e-books, according to Amazon.com.

The online retailer recently posted an announcement on its Web site urging customers to sign up to receive an e-mail notification when the software is available.

Android users will need Android version 1.6 or greater, as well as an SD card. Android smartphones that are supported include the Droid Incredible, Google Nexus one, HTC MyTouch, Motorola Cliq, Motorola Droid and "many more Android phones," Amazon.com said.

Amazon's Kindle is the bestselling e-reader, but dozens of alternatives have hit the market in the past six months. While e-book competitor Barnes & Noble ships the Nook e-reader, it has also made a point of supporting other form factors for reading e-books, including the iPhone and iPod Touch, BlackBerries, PCs and Macs. Barnes & Noble does not list Android devices among those capable of handling its e-reader software.

The Kindle for Android app will allow a user to buy a book from the Kindle Store and have it delivered wirelessly, with the book optimized for the Android device. The software will also automatically synchronize the last page the reader has read from a book, as well as annotations, between devices.

The Kindle Store sells newly released titles starting at $9.99. However, Amazon.com said newspapers, magazines and blogs will not be available for Android devices.

Amazon.com didn't say when the new software will ship, but some reports have indicated it could be in less than two weeks.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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